What is an IBA?

IBAs are places of international significance for the conservation of birds at the global, regional or sub-regional level

IBAs are practical tools for conservation

IBAs are chosen using standardised, agreed criteria applied with common sense

IBAs must, wherever possible, be large enough to support self-sustaining populations of those species for which they are important

IBAs are places which can be defined and distinguished from surrounding areas, and which are feasible to conserve

IBAs where possible preferentially include, where appropriate, existing Protected Areas

IBAs are not appropriate for all bird species and, for some, are only appropriate in parts of their ranges,

IBAs should form part of a wider, integrated approach to conservation that embraces sites, species and habitat protection